Home Blog Page 1757

Jimmy Uso Reveals If He’d Ever Face His Brother, Batista Reunites With WWE Stars At Charity Event, Top Ten Shocking Elimination Chamber Pod Collisions (Video)

Jon Fuentes
-
3

– One-half of the SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions Jimmy Uso recently did an interview with Sportskeeda. Jimmy was asked about a potential singles career down the road and was also asked if he’d be open to having a match with his brother, Jey, at WrestleMania. Here’s what he had to say:

“I don’t know man, never really thought about it,” Uso said. “As far as going singles, it really hasn’t crossed my mind, because we have so much more left to do in the tag division. The Usos have so much more to give. People haven’t seen all of us. … Another dream match would be me vs. my brother at WrestleMania.

“I grew up watching Bret vs Owen in a cage match, and they beat the living hell out of each other. I thought it was really cool, what they did. And they’ve been doing that all their lives. That’s the same way I see us whenever we get the chance for that to happen. But as far as a singles run right now, we’re just concentrating on the tag division.”

– Last night former WWE Superstar Batista hung out with Chris Jericho, Christian, Natalya, Tyson Kidd, and Baron Corbin at an “80s Night” Walk To Cure Diabetes event. You can check out some photos here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfjqyAdlXUn/

– WWE uploaded a new YouTube video about the Top 10 Elimination Chamber Pod Collisions. Check it out here:

Alexa Bliss Says She Didn’t Get The Spotlight In NXT Because Of The Four Horsewomen

Jon Fuentes
-
7

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss was recently interviewed on Oh Jezuz! of Power 98.3 to talk about several professional wrestling topics. “Little Miss Bliss” discussed getting called up to the main roster after her time in NXT:

“When I was drafted to SmackDown Live on the Superstar Draft, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for the main roster. I never had a TakeOver match, I had never held a title in NXT, a majority of my time in NXT was valeting and managing for Blake and Murphy. I wasn’t given a lot of on-screen time when it came to matches. So, I didn’t know if I was really ready.

“My first day on SmackDown, I believe I had a speaking segment and I went out and I decided if I was going to come in as an underwhelming draft pick, because let’s be honest, I was. No on was really excited to have me, because I didn’t do these amazing things in NXT! I decided to come in under the radar and kick down the door.”

The RAW Women’s Champ was then asked who her favorite wrestlers were growing up. She named WWE Hall Of Famer Trish Stratus and former World Heavyweight Champion Rey Mysterio:

“Rey Mysterio and Trish Stratus. I loved watching Rey, because I was a gymnast, so watching his lucha style was very captivating to me and I found it very fascinating watching him flip around. And Trish, because you know, it’s Trish. Who doesn’t love her?”

Bliss also discussed getting less of the spotlight during her time in NXT because of all the focus being on The Four Horsewomen:

“All the focus at the time was on the Four Horsewomen. I was in there at the same time as the Four Horsewomen, but I wasn’t given that spotlight. I wasn’t the girl they chose to go with. Which is fine because if the Four Horsewomen were going to be the face of this ‘Women’s Evolution’ that’s amazing. I know I came in under the radar, I can be that person that evolves that evolution and that revolution and take it to the next step. Be that different kind of person, that different face then being with the Four Horsewomen. I could kind of make my own path.”

H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

UFC Hall Of Famer On WWE Not Using Him Anywhere Near His Potential

Jon Fuentes
-
5

UFC Hall Of Famer and former WWE Superstar Dan Severn was recently interviewed on the Duke Loves Rassin Podcast to discuss several professional wrestling topics. Severn talked about his time in WWE and his belief that he was being greatly underutilized:

“It was great to know you made it to work for the number one company in the world, but by the same token, I was never utilized anywhere near my potential. Jim Cornette has done a number of interviews sticking up for me, explaining there were certain limitations that I have where I’m not that guy that is going to cut great promos. I am a guy that knows physical mechanics and can take care of business that way.

“I was the first wrestler ever to be non exclusive. At the time I was working for the WWE, I was working for the NWA, I was working for the UFC and I was not exclusive to any of them. There were days when I’d be on the road and have three different bags packed and have to remind myself what I am today, a pro wrestler or a MMA guy?”

Severn also discussed his thoughts on “The Chairman Of The Board” Vince McMahon:

“He will get away with whatever he think she can get away with. I was used really well in the beginning and when they realized they had no control mechanisms over me, that’s when creative started throwing me some crazy angles. I was first billed as a no-nonsense babyface that just took care of business and Jim Cornette was my mouthpiece. All of a sudden, they pitch me ideas when they want to tattoo a 666 on me, the mark of the beast, and all of these other crazy ideas.”

Beretta Suffers Injury, ROH 16th Anniversary Title Match Set

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
1

Beretta Taking Time Off

Earlier today (Feb. 24), Beretta was scheduled to challenge Dalton Castle for the Ring of Honor World title. Before the match began, The Beer City Bruiser walked in the ring and demanded that he be added to the match. Castle accepted and the bout turned into a three-way match.

The reason for this is that Beretta has been working injured. F4W Online reported that Beretta tore his triceps during a match with Chuck Taylor at a PWG event. The former NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team champion took to Twitter to confirm he will be taking some time off:

ROH 16th Anniversary Title Match Official

Dalton Castle vs. Jay Lethal had been booked for ROH 16th Anniversary prior to Honor Rising. The question remained, would Castle walk into the show as ROH World champion? As mentioned above, Castle put his gold on the line against Beretta and The Beer City Bruiser.

Castle pinned The Beer City Bruiser with a dead lift German Suplex to successfully defend his championship. His title defense against Letal has now been made official for the ROH 16th Anniversary show. The event takes place in Las Vegas on March 9. Big names such as The Young Bucks and Cody will also be competing on the card.

Pre-Elimination Chamber Facebook Live Announced, Top 10 Pod Collisions

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
2

Pre-WWE Elimination Chamber Facebook Live

WWE Elimination Chamber is upon us. Tomorrow night (Feb. 25), the special event will take place inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will featured two EC matches, one of them is for championship gold.

Cathy Kelley took to Twitter to announce a Facebook Live session ahead of the event. It will air tomorrow at 4 p.m. ET. She will co-host alongside Mike Rowe. Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and Matt Hardy will serve as guests.

Braun Strowman, Elias, Finn Balor, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and The Miz will do battle inside the chamber. The winner will be granted a shot at Brock Lesnar’s WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania.

Meanwhile on the women’s side, Alexa Bliss will put her Raw women’s championship up for grabs against Bayley, Mandy Rose, Mickie James, Sasha Banks, and Sonya Deville. The pay-per-view airs live at 8 p.m. ET.

WWE’s Top 10 EC Pod Collisions

Much hype has gone into the EC event. With two chamber matches, you can almost be certain that more than one pod will be shattered. Fans anticipate it every year and are never disappointed. It happens so often that WWE posted a top 10 video all about pod collisions:

Impact Wrestling Talent Allegedly Paid Late, Ed Nordholm Responds

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
11

Could it be deja vu for Impact Wrestling talent?

PWInsider.com is reporting that several Impact Wrestling talents have informed them that they have not been paid for last month’s television tapings in Orlando, Florida. Talents who reached out did so under the condition of anonymity.

In addition to not being paid for last month’s work, talent also alleges that they weren’t given a Bound For Glory payoff or pay for working the Ottawa tapings until after Christmas.

Impact Wrestling president Ed Nordholm released a statement to PW Insider, denying that the promotion was late on pay:

“Talent is not behind on their pay. We generally provide for talent to be paid as independent contractors in the month following a month in which services are rendered. This was an improvement over previous management, where talent cheques were issued only as the actual episodes aired (could be as much as 12 weeks after tapings before final instalments were delivered).

We instituted a payment policy last year to pay for all services rendered in a month in the following month, regardless of when the shows would air. Accordingly, cheques for January were mailed earlier mid-month; cheques for November were mailed mid-December (and I understand got caught up in Christmas mail delays).

We realize that one unexpected impact of moving our corporate offices to Canada has been a further delay with mail services going cross-border. We are working to streamline our talent payroll processing so future events will be paid closer to the beginning of each month after services are rendered.”

Golden Lovers & Young Bucks Plant Seeds For Dream Match

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
3

Night two of NJPW Honor Rising ended with the Golden Lovers and The Young Bucks face-to-face.

Earlier today (Feb. 24), Kenny Omega and Kota ibushi took on Cody and Marty Scurll. This was the first time the Golden Lovers teamed up in two-on-two action in years. The former IWGP Junior Tag Team champions have enjoyed success as heavyweights. Omega and Ibushi scored the win when they hit Golden Trigger on Scurll.

Who Is The Best?

After the match, Omega grabbed a mic and said Golden Lovers are the best tag team in the world. The Young Bucks didn’t appreciate that and hit the ring to respond. Matt Jackson said he and his brother Nick are the best team in the world. He then announced that The Young Bucks are moving up to the heavyweight tag team division before saying he’ll see Omega and Ibushi around.

Backstage, Omega told the media that he and Ibushi have no problem facing The Young Bucks if that’s what they have to do to prove they’re the best tag team in the world. The seeds were planted for a move to heavyweight for The Young Bucks on a recent episode of “Being The Elite.” Cody told both men that they appear to be bulking up and need to think about the heavyweight division.

NJPW Honor Rising Night Two Results: The Golden Lovers vs. Cody & Marty Scurll

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
1

The second and final night of NJPW Honor Rising has arrived.

In the main event, Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi try their luck as the Golden Lovers once again to take on Cody and Marty Scurll. Last night, Cody made the bold claim that he is the new Bullet Club leader. Will we find the true answer tonight?

The co-headliner will feature a major world title bout. ROH World champion Dalton Castle will put his gold on the line against Beretta. Also, NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team champions Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa will put their titles on the line against Cheeseburger, Delirious, and Jushin Thunder Liger.

Of course there are some undercard matches to look forward to as well. The action begins at 4:30 a.m. ET. Keep refreshing the page for updated results below:

Singles Match: Toa Henare vs. The Beer City Bruiser

Henare tried to sink in a headlock, but Beer City Bruiser demanded a fight. He slapped Henare and kicked him in the corner. They got into a chopping battle. Henare went for a shoulder block, but no one was home. Beer City Bruiser spat beer in his opponent’s face.

Henare went to lift his opponent up, but couldn’t. On a second try, Henare was able to land his shoulder block. He went up the top turnbuckle and landed the flying shoulder for a two-count.A full nelson into DDT was there for Beer City Bruiser. He went up the top turnbuckle and hit his frog splash for the win.

Winner: The Beer City Bruiser

Six-Man Tag Team Match: David Finlay, Juice Robinson, & Jay Lethal vs. HIKULEO, Chase Owens, & Yujiro Takahashi

Bullet Club attacked their opponents before the bell rang. Chase went to work on Finlay in the ring. Eventually, Chase was triple teamed. BC soon got the edge back.

Juice broke up HIKUEO’s pin on Finlay. Juice and Finlay hit a double dropkick, followed by a double flapjack. Lethal threw Chase and Yujiro to the outside. He took turns hitting suicide dives on both men.

Chase kicked Yujiro by accident. He was then hit with Lethal Injection. HIKULEO got hit with a Stunner, Pulp Friction and Hail to The King, eating the pin.

Winners: David Finlay, Juice Robinson, & Jay Lethal

Tag Team Match: Ryusuke Taguchi & Flip Gordon vs. Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi

Flip and Hiromu got the match started. Gordon escaped with his flips. Hiromu couldn’t find a way to catch him. With Hiromu on the outside, Flip teased a dive. He was attacked from behind by Bushi.

The action spilled to the outside. Bushi sent Taguchi crashing into a wall. Hiromu did the same to Flip. Hiromu then threw Flip into the guardrail. Bushi worked on Flip’s knee inside the ring.

Flip was able to tag in Taguchi and the Funky Weapon was loose. He hit a double DDT on Hiromu and Bushi. Taguchi locked in the ankle lock on Bushi. He couldn’t hold onto it for long. Bushi hit a rebound kick and Hiromu and Flip were the legal men.

Flip landed a springboard dropkick. He then landed a huge senton with Hiromu on the outside. Flip hit a springboard into a modified backbreaker.

Taguchi missed his hip attack. Hiromu and Bushi landed double kicks on Flip. Hiromu’s Time Bomb was countered into a pin attempt. Hiromu and Bushi landed the MX for the victory.

Winners: Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi

NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Title Match: Bad Luke Fale, Tama Tonga, & Tanga Loa (C) vs. Cheeseburger, Delirious, & Jushin Thunder Liger

The champions went after the challengers before the bell rang. In the ring was Fale and Cheeseburger. Delirious came in for the distraction and Cheeseburger hopped on Fale’s back. Despite this, Delirious and Liger were still shoulder blocked.

Tama Tonga easily landed a suplex on Cheeseburger and laughed. Liger was left in the ring with no one in the corner. He got double teamed in the corner. Tonga was accidentally hit by Loa. Delirious was tagged in and kept running the ropes to frustrate Loa.

Loa hit a Jackhammer and tagged in Tonga. Cheeseburger was tagged in and his forearms did absolutely nothing. Cheeseburger landed a hurricanrana and a DDT for a two-count. He went for Shotei, but ate a dropkick.

Tonga, Loa, and Fale all ran into Liger’s Shotei. Cheeseburger tried a small package, but Tonga blocked it. He went for it again and got a near fall. Tonga countered Shotei with the Tongan Twist, but his pin was broken up. Cheeseburger was hit with Guerilla Warfare and the champions retained.

Winners & STILL NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions: Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, & Tanga Loa

After the match, Tonga hit Gun Stun on Cheeseburger.

Six-Man Tag Team Match: Chuckie T, Yoshi-Hashi, & “Switchblade” Jay White vs. The Young Bucks & Hangman Page

Chuckie T and Nick got the match started. Nick landed an arm drag and tagged in Matt. Chuckie T tagged in White. Page was then tagged. The did traded shots. White chopped Page down in the corner.

White was in and the numbers game was two much. Page hit a chop on White. The Young Bucks landed a double dropkick on White and Page followed up with a standing moonsault. White mounted an offense with a huge DDT to Matt.

The Young Bucks and Page tried going for a super Rite of Passage, but they were cut off. Matt and Nick dove on Yoshi-Hashi and Chuckie T on the outside. White went for the Blade Runner, but was superkicked by The Young Bucks. Page hit Rite of Passage for the win.

Winners: The Young Bucks & Hangman Page

After the match, Page grabbed a chair and was going to blast White with it. The Young Bucks stopped him. They left and Page ignored his teammates and hit Rite of Passage again, but this time on the chair.

ROH World Title Match: Dalton Castle (C) vs. Beretta vs. The Beer City Bruiser

Before the match, The Beer City Bruiser said he wanted to bring back some gold to the United States. He demanded to be put in the match. Castle grabbed a mic and demanded to add the Bruiser. Now it’s a three-way.

Castle hit a suicide dive on Bruiser. Beretta blasted Castle with a chair. In the ring, the ROH world champion caught Beretta and landed a German Suplex. Bruiser went for the injured arm of Beretta.

Bruiser got on the top rope, but Castle cut him off. He ran on the apron and dropkicked Bruiser to the outside. The champion rammed a series of knees into the head of Bruiser. Beretta hit a swinging DDT on Castle. He was then shoulder blocked by Bruiser.

Castle and Beretta teamed up to nailed Bruiser with a superplex. Beretta went for a piledriver on Brusier on the ring apron. Instead, Bruiser hit the Death Valley Driver. Bruiser and Castle then tumbled to the outside.

Beretta moved out of the way of a frog splash attempt. He hit a shining wizard to the back of the head. He hit the Piledriver for a two-count. Bruiser hit a dropkick and went back up for the frog splash. He landed it and Beretta barely kicked out.

Castle’s finisher was countered into a pin attempt by Beretta. Shockingly, Castle landed the dead lift German Suplex on Bruiser to retain his ROH World title.

Winner And STILL ROH World Champion: Dalton Castle

Tag Team Match: Golden Lovers vs. Cody & Marty Scurll

Ibushi and Scurll got things underway. The two exchanged arm holds. Scurll chopped Ibushi in the corner. Ibushi rebounded with a leapfrog followed buy dropkick. Omega was tagged in and Cody ran into the crowd.

Scurll went for a sunset flip on Omega, but he broke the grip and landed a springboard dive into Cody on the outside. Cody picked his spot and met Omega in the ring. Omega landed a hard chop on Cody. Omega kicked Cody in the face and stomped him. The Golden Lovers then doubled teamed Cody.

Cody hit a springboard on Ibushi and landed awkwardly. He appeared to be fine and sent Ibushi back in the ring. Scurll hit a stalling suplex. He then double stomped Ibushi’s arm. Cody landed Disaster Kick on Omega. Ibushi was able to counter Cody and hit a powerslam.

Omega hit a crossbody on Cody. Ibushi hit a springboard dropkick on Scurll. The Golden Lovers hit a new tag move. Omega hit the steamroller, Ibushi hit a standing moonsault, then they both took turns hitting mooonsaults from the middle rope.

Cody exposed the floor and went for Crossroads from the ring apron. Omega hit the V-Trigger. Scurll hit Omega with his umbrella and then connected with Crossroads for a two-count. He then locked in the Chicken Wing. Meanwhile, Cody locked in his leg submission. Omega lifted Scull up and slammed him down on Cody.

Cody ran into a V-Trigger. Omega went for another one, but Scull kicked Omega. Ibushi went for his sitdown powerbomb, but was eventually hit with a lariat. The Golden Lovers hit a powerbomb into a German Suplex on Cody. With their opponents on the outside, Omega and Ibushi hit Cross Slash.

Cody ask Scurll to pick up Ibushi to kiss his opponent. That’s exactly what he did. This enraged Ibushi and he landed the chop and kick from hell. He then landed a powerbomb.  Scurll ate a V-Trigger. The Golden Lovers hit the Golden Trigger for the win

Winners: The Golden Lovers

After the match, Omega grabbed a mic and said he’s had one of the best weekends of his life. He thanked the reunion of The Golden Lovers for that. Omega said he and Ibushi are the best tag team in the world.

The Young Bucks came out and took issue with Omega’s claim. The Young Bucks said they’re drawing the line with Omega claiming The Golden Lovers are the best tag team in the world. They announced they’re moving up to the heavyweight tag team division and said they’ll see The Golden Lovers around.

Omega said a few more words in Japanese to close the show.

AJ Styles Reacts to Jeff Jarrett’s WWE Hall of Fame Induction (Video)

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
2

WWE recently posted an interview with AJ Styles reacting to the news of Jeff Jarrett’s Hall of Fame induction.

Styles and Jarrett have a history together. When Jarrett was running the show for TNA Wrestling, now known as Impact Wrestling, Jarrett relied on Styles to be the top guy. “The Phenomenal One” used to be referred to as “Mr. TNA.”

During the interview, Styles expressed his joy with Jarrett’s induction:

“When I heard that Jeff Jarrett was being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame I was super excited, so excited for him. Listen, Jeff started in the WWE. There were other things before that, but WWE is where he made a name for himself I think. I’ve worked with Jeff a lot. I’ve got to know Jeff personally, so (with) everything that he’s done for me I can’t help but be excited for him and proud that he’s gonna be in the WWE Hall of Fame.”

Rough Times

Styles also said that Jarrett has had to deal with adversity in his personal life.

“Well I’ve gotta tell you, Jeff has been through a lot with his wife passing. I was with him during that. It was a tough time for him, but for everything that he’s been through and to fight through, I’m just glad to be a friend of his. He’s got a great family and (I’m) just glad to be around him.”

Raw Tag Team Title & Pre-Show Matches Set For WWE Elimination Chamber

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
13

WWE Elimination Chamber 2018 now has two tag team matches and one of them has gold on the line.

The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) will defend their Raw Tag Team Championships against Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo) on the main card. It’s an interesting match-up as Apollo teased a split from Titus on a recent edition of WWE’s Mixed Match Challenge. Could the full turn come to fruition on Sunday night?

Read part of WWE’s announcement below:

“Since solidifying themselves as an elite tandem, Raw Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus have claimed, “We don’t set the bar; WE ARE THE BAR!” At WWE Elimination Chamber, however, that bar may very well be cleared when the reigning titleholders go to war against Titus Worldwide.”

That’s Not All

As far as the pre-show match goes, that slot belongs to The Good Brothers (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs. The Miztourage (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel). This of course will be part of the WWE Elimination Chamber Kickoff show. That announcement can also be seen below:

“Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson have never called someone a nerd and not wanted to beat them up, and the former Raw Tag Team Champions will get just such a chance when they face the two most meddlesome enforcers on the Raw roster — The Miztourage — at WWE Elimination Chamber Kickoff.”

Don Callis Comments on Impact Wrestling Departures

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
11

Don Callis is firing back at those criticizing Impact Wrestling over recent departures.

It’s no secret that times have changed at Impact Wrestling. With Dixie Carter and Jeff Jarrett out of the picture, president Ed Nordholm has placed Callis and Scott D’Amore at the helm to help steer the company into a positive direction. Changes at the top have also led to talent departures.

Notable names such as EC3, Lashley, and even Jeremy Borash have departed. EC3 and Borash have made the jump to WWE’s NXT brand, while reports claim that Lashley wants a WWE return and the feeling is mutual.

While Callis admitted to Metro.co.uk that the talent changes can’t be ignored, he also said people are only looking at the negatives:

“Here’s the problem with the narrative that goes around with that. I’m not knocking wrestling journalism because it is what it is, but the narrative that’s been kicking around is that all these people are leaving. That’s fine, and that’s true, but the context is not there. Are we okay with them leaving based on the new talent? They talk about who has left, but a lot less about who came. Yes, EC3 is a tremendous performer, he’s gone on to NXT and we wish him all the best. But, people just say he’s left, they don’t say that Brian Cage or Austin Aries debuted.”

Callis believes the best has yet to come as far as talent is concerned.

“We use a lot of sports analogies around here. If you have new Head Coach for a team, they’re going to change talent and they’re going to draft new players that fit their particular system. That’s what we’re doing. It is a process, there will be more people coming in. And we also have Alberto El Patron, who to me is one of the best pieces of talent I’ve ever seen in this business since I was seven-years-old.”

Jon Bravo Claims Roman Reigns’ Failed 2016 Drug Test Related to Steroid Ring

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
40

Filmmaker Jon Bravo says there is evidence to support claims that Roman Reigns’ failed 2016 drug test is due to the steroid ring that Richard Rodriguez was arrested for.

Reigns was involved in a top feud with Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins leading up to WWE Battleground nearly two full years ago. Reigns was suspended for failing a drug test. He made it to the pay-per-view as his suspension time was up.

Rodriguez has made some bold claims, saying that Reigns was a customer of his drug ring. Bravo took to Instagram and said that those claims can be proven:

“It appears that the failed drug test by Reigns in July 2016 was directly a result of some orders placed with WFN prior to the suspensions. The WWE does not disclose the results of drug test as it’s a public traded company and there are other reasons related to that. Was Reigns truthful in denying knowing Rodriguez? Will that or any other info disclosed cause an additional suspension for Reigns? Find out in the full report coming shortly.”

It’s interesting to note that Bravo uses Brock Lesnar’s name in a hashtag. Whether or not he’s implying that Lesnar is also involved remains to be seen. In the past, Reigns has denied having any contact with Rodriguez.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfYs_xSl8aR/?taken-by=jonnybravotv

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfgu5YqFGb-/?taken-by=jonnybravotv

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfb0KTGFbqo/?taken-by=jonnybravotv

Roman Reigns On Possibly Rematching Brock Lesnar At WrestleMania 34

Jon Fuentes
-
7

WWE Superstar Roman Reigns recently did an interview with Chuck Carroll of CBS Sports to promote this weekend’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view (PPV). Reigns was asked about his opportunity to punch his ticket to WrestleMania this weekend and challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.

Reigns and Lesnar have unfinished business with one another as their WrestleMania 31 match was interrupted by Seth Rollins, who cashed in his Money In The Bank to win the WWE World Heavyweight Title:

“Yeah, we definitely have that. I think what puts validity behind this whole situation is we had a barnburner of a match. It’s one of my favorites that I’ve ever … Well, let me take that back. It’s not my favorite, because it didn’t feel good. But going back and seeing it and the outcome and the story and the reaction and just the rollercoaster ride that the crowd took with us, it was one of my finer days at work.

“There’s always gonna be that animosity to wanna finish the job. Not only towards Brock but towards Seth for interrupting that. The key is to be able to get to that point and deliver and capitalize. Hopefully I’ll get the shot. We gotta go through the Chamber on Sunday. We gotta make it out of that unscathed and then take a ride to Suplex City. It sounds a lot better than it really feels. Trust me.”

Reigns was also asked whether or not it’s harder for a minority to climb the ladder in WWE, or if it’s an even playing field nowadays:

“I think I’m a great example of that. I’m a multi-racial man. I don’t think it has anything to do with your color or your background. It’s the man that you are and what you stand for, and obviously the performer that you are. That’s one thing that Vince [McMahon] deeply wants to be embedded in his guys, in his superstars, that they’re good people. That’s one thing he’s always told me from the beginning is, “I don’t care if you’re the greatest wrestler in the world.

“I don’t care if you’re the most charismatic talker in the world, but I do care if you’re a good person and I think that’s all that matters.” When it comes down to it, it doesn’t matter what you look like, how big you are, what color your skin is or hair or eyes, if you’re a good person, you’re a good person.”

“The Big Dog” also commented on WWE dropping brand-exclusive PPV events going forward, starting with Backlash later this year:

“I think, like anything else, it has its pros and cons. It’s gonna increase the work schedule as far as pay-per-views, but if you don’t wanna perform in a pay-per-view, then what are you doing here? I think it’ll also keep storylines fresh. It’ll allow us to continue to dot all our “i’s” and cross all our “t’s” because we’ll have more weeks to continue those storylines and these rivalries, and we’ll be able to have more time to carry those out.”

Check out Reigns’ full interview with Chuck Carroll of CBS Sports by clicking this link here.

Braun Strowman & Baron Corbin Discuss How Mark Henry Impacted Their Career

Jon Fuentes
-
11

Braun Strowman, Baron Corbin, and Mark Henry all recently spoke with WWE.com to talk about several professional wrestling topics. Strowman described his first encounter with Henry and also revealed that Henry offered him a WWE tryout. “The Monster Among Men” had looked up to Henry in the strongman scene for quite some time:

“The first time was probably in 2012 at World’s Strongest Man. I’d been a huge fan of his for a long time and had met him a couple of times through my strongman endeavors over the years. To have him approach me and offer me a tryout with WWE was a dream come true. A lot if it was because I was really passionate about the strongman sport. I did a lot of things in a short amount of time that not many men were able to do.

“But I’ve always been a ham and a showman for crowds. I got to compete in front of a few thousand for strongman, so realizing that I could step over to WWE and have opportunities like I did at WrestleMania in Dallas to perform in front of 101,000 people — that was the big thing for me.”

Baron Corbin also discussed how Henry helped him in WWE during his early days with the company. Henry apparently saw something in Corbin and liked different aspects of his physique and ability inside the ring:

“He came in and thought I had something special. He told me I had a good look, the way I moved was good. He really helped mold me in those early days, which helped the evolution of who I am and what I do. When you have a guy of his caliber come to you and tell you they see something in you … if that doesn’t light a fire, nothing will.”

Henry himself commented on this and said he enjoys paying it forward and seeing his WWE recruits find success in their careers:

“I feel like I’m paying it forward. It feels good to be able to look at somebody and go, ‘Man, you’re me 22 years ago; you can do this!’ I find chunks of coal that have a glisten to them. They get to Orlando and [the WWE Performance Center coaches] start chipping away and chipping away. Next thing you know, ‘Mark, there’s a diamond under there. We’re going to polish it up.’ They do all that work.

“I appreciate the whole developmental process – coaching them, educating them and putting them out there to see if they can thrive. Every time I see Apollo, Braun or Bianca, Baron Corbin and other people I’ve helped foster, I gush. It gives a validation to my eye. I love it. There’s nothing like it.”

You can read Henry, Corbin, and Strowman’s full interviews on WWE.com by clicking here.

Is Titus Worldwide Coming To An End?, Possibility Of Having An NXT Match On WrestleMania 34

Jon Fuentes
-
8

– While Dave Meltzer was discussing this week’s Mixed Match Challenge match on Wrestling Observer Radio, there was some speculation that Titus Worldwide could be over. Here’s what Meltzer had to say:

“I don’t know if Titus Worldwide is over but they certainly gave the impression that it could be. Apollo pretty much turned on Titus and Dana Brooke got destroyed by Nia Jax. We’ll have to see how that all plays out on RAW next Monday.”

Most angles from the Mixed Match Challenge don’t usually cary over into RAW or SmackDown, but Meltzer suggested this looks like a turn:

“He definitely didn’t turn badly on Titus but he definitely turned on him.”

Check out the segment here:

– Also on the mailbag portion of Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer was asked about the possibility of having an NXT match on the WrestleMania 34 card. Meltzer said that due to the fact NXT TakeOver happens the night before he doubts an NXT match or NXT Title match will be put on the Mania card:

“I seriously doubt it now. They aren’t going to have enough time for what they need to have. It’s going to be one of those 7-hour shows and an NXT show the night before anyways. I would really would be surprised if they did that. They may have someone from NXT in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal or something. If they have a Women’s Battle Royal, they may have a few NXT women in there as well. As far as NXT Championship matches, I would think no.”

Rumored Plans For Braun Strowman At WrestleMania 34

Jon Fuentes
-
35

With all expectations pointing towards Roman Reigns winning this weekend’s Elimination Chamber match, and going on to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania for the Universal Title, one question remains – what’s next for “The Monster Among Men” Braun Strowman?

This weekend’s pay-per-view (PPV) will see the first-ever Seven-Man Elimination Chamber match between Reigns, Seth Rollins, John Cena, Elias, Finn Balor, WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz, and Strowman. The winner will go on to challenge Lesnar at WrestleMania. A recent report from Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio suggests WWE is planning for a match between Strowman and The Miz at WrestleMania 34.

Meltzer said that the real story coming out of this Sunday will be the setup to Strowman vs. The Miz at Mania. Not much else was mentioned about the feud and it’s unclear if the Intercontinental Title will be on the line. Should Miz retain the strap heading into “The Show Of Shows,” however, it can be assumed it will be. Previous reports suggested a match between The Miz and Finn Balor could be in the works but those plans seem to have changed. Perhaps Balor can still find his way into the match and make it a Triple Threat for the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania?

Regardless, it should be interesting to see how WWE books a feud between The Miz and Strowman coming out of the Elimination Chamber.

Discussion: What would you like to see WWE do with Strowman for WrestleMania this year? Do you think “The Monster Among Men” will win his first singles title at the event?

Reports Suggest Bray Wyatt Is Spending Child Support Money On Gifts For JoJo, Wyatt Responds

Jon Fuentes
-
31

This past September WWE Superstar Bray Wyatt split from his wife Samantha after she reportedly learned that Wyatt had been cheating on her with WWE ring announcer JoJo Offerman. Wyatt and Samantha were college sweethearts and had been married five years before separating. The couple had two children together, aged six and four-years-old. Per a court order Wyatt was demanded to pay $14,735 per month in spousal support in addition to an upfront payment of $50,000 for legal expenses.

Apparently Wyatt has only been paying Samantha $6,000 per month, which is almost two-and-a-half times less than the court ordered. Daily Mail is reporting that Wyatt has apparently been spending the money he needs to pay Samantha on expensive gifts for JoJo. This claim comes from Samantha herself via Daily Mail, who reports Wyatt “spends much of his time” at JoJo’s apartment in Florida. Legal documents suggest Wyatt has spent more than $11,000 on “non-necessary” purchases since December 20, 2017.

Some items included on the list are $5,006.27 worth of miniature horses, food between the dates of 2/20 and 12/29, $533.93 worth of jewelry “not for his wife,” and hundreds of dollars spent at various locations such as a Miami bar, burlesque club E11even, Tootsie’s strip club, Stillwaters Tavern, and many more. Ray Rafool, Samantha’s attorney, claims Wyatt has a “reckless and dangerous mentality,” and says he needs to own up to his responsibilities:

“This really is just the tip of the iceberg,” Rafool told The Daily Mail. “He had already gone to Vegas and spent a lot of money at Nobu or one of the restaurants – substantial amounts of money. He’s told my client – it’s my money, not your money. It’s my money. That’s a dangerous and reckless mentality. It’s not accurate under the law and it’s not healthy for the family.”

Wyatt seemed to subtly respond to these reports online in a recent Tweet. Here’s what he had to say about the “lies”:

https://twitter.com/WWEBrayWyatt/status/966860137498644480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ringsidenews.com%2F2018%2F02%2F23%2Fbray-wyatt-reacts-recent-reports-people-spreading-lies%2F

Brackets For The 2018 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Tournament

Staff
-
7

The bracket has been released for this year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic Tournament.

The tournament kicks off with first round matches on the March 7th episode of NXT. The tournament winners will earn the right to challenge NXT Tag Team Champions Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly at TakeOver: New Orleans during WrestleMania weekend.

First round matches include:

  • Heavy Machinery vs. Street Profits
  • TM61 vs. The Authors of Pain
  • Riddick Moss & Tino Sabbatelli vs. SAnitY;
  • Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch vs. Tyler Bate & Trent Seven

dusty brackets(Click to enlarge)

Ronda Rousey Returns To WWE Performance Center

Jon Fuentes
-
4

Ronda Rousey is scheduled to sign her RAW contract at Elimination Chamber on pay-per-view (PPV) this weekend. “The Rowdy One” made her WWE debut at the Royal Rumble last month following the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble match. She made her way to the ring to confront Rumble winner Asuka, RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, and SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.

After having her extended hand smacked away by Asuka, Rousey pointed to the WrestleMania 34 sign – indicating her intentions to wrestle at the event. Recently Rousey finished up filming her latest project in Columbia. She has now returned to the WWE Performance Center and has been working there this past Monday and Tuesday to prepare for her in-ring debut. Rousey was also at WWE’s Headquarters in Stanford, Connecticut on Wednesday.

It’s expected that Rousey will kick off her WrestleMania 34 feud this weekend at Elimination Chamber during her contract signing. Recent reports suggest WWE is eying a Mixed Tag Team match between Rousey and a mystery partner against the team of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Ideally WWE would like for Rousey’s partner to be The Rock. Other names being considered are WWE Hall Of Famer Kurt Angle, SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon, and Seth Rollins.

Elias Says He’d Outshine The Rock in Concert, Reacts to Braun Strowman’s Musical Talent

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
8

Elias believes he’d give The Rock a serious run for his money in concert.

It’s no secret that many fans want to “Walk With Elias.” When Samoa Joe suffered an injury, the WWE needed someone to step up. That superstar ended up being Elias, and he’s found some success.

He was involved in a highly praised segment with Braun Strowman recently. Elias thought he was having a routine concert on an episode of Monday Night Raw, when “The Monster Among Men” decided to play a tune. Of course, things ended in violence.

Speaking to the NY Post, Elias said the segment was a hit:

“I mean, you are seeing this giant guy out there with a giant cello, guitar, whatever you want to call it and you see him kind of doing what I do, but the giant version of it. Of course it’s so many thoughts at once and I’m just taken aback. Of course, I believe it made for some great TV.”

One on One With The Great One

Many fans have been clamoring for a concert with Elias and The Rock. The Elimination Chamber participant said he’s prepared to show “The Great One” how it’s done.

“I think without a doubt I’d outshine The Rock because he can’t do quite what I do, but he is good at the guitar and he’s got some chops to him, so I don’t think you need to think about it too much. I think something like that could happen in the future. I’m going to put that on The Rock. I’ll leave that up to him.”

Alexa Bliss Talks Ronda Rousey Joining WWE, Reflects On Her Main Roster Call Up

Andrew Ravens
-
0

WWE RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss recently spoke with the Las Vegas Review Journal to promote the upcoming WWE Elimination Chamber pay-per-view event that takes place on Sunday, February 25th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air on the WWE Network and some traditional pay-per-view outlets.

At the event, former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey is set to sign her WWE contract.

“Nobody knew what was going on or that she was there,” Bliss said of Rousey’s Royal Rumble entrance. “She came out, and it was definitely a surprise, but I think it’s exciting that she comes to WWE because it brings a new fan base and a different dimension to WWE.

Also during this interview, Bliss reflected on being called up to the main roster to the SmackDown Live brand during the WWE Draft in 2016.

“When I was brought up to SmackDown, I was one of the underwhelming draft picks,” Bliss said. “I had to make the most out of every opportunity, because a lot of times on WWE, if you don’t deliver, those opportunities don’t come back.”

NJPW Honor Rising Results (Feb. 23): Golden Lovers Return, Title Match

Fernando Quiles Jr.
-
0

The time has arrived for NJPW’s first day of the 2018 Honor Rising tour.

Today (Feb. 23), Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi will finally team again, but they’re not alone. The Golden Lovers will be joined by “Honorary Tongan” Chase Owens. Also, Hiroki Goto defends his NEVER Openweight championship against Ring of Honor’s Beer City Bruiser.

The card features some other promising bouts, including a triple threat match between Kushida, Hiromu Takahashi, and Flip Gordon. The action begins live at 4:30 a.m. ET. Keep refreshing the page to see the updated results below:

Tag Match: Katsuya Kitamura & Toa Henare vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale

Yujiro easily lost a shoving battle to start the match. Fale was tagged in and was downed by a shoulder block. He came back by pummeling Kitamura. Yujiro took care of Henare on the outside. Fale threw Kitamura into the guardrail.

Yujiro was tagged in a tried the fishermen buster. Kitamura countered with a suplex. Henare was tagged in and hammered away. He nailed Yujiro with a shoulder block. He climbed the turnbuckle and hit another shoulder block for a near fall. Yujiro bit the thumb, landed a dropkick and tagged Fale.

Kitamura was tagged in and speared Fale. Henare nailed Yujiro with a spinebuster and followed him outside. Kitamura went for the Jackhammer, but couldn’t get it. Fale hit the Grenade for a three-count.

Winners: Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale

Six-Man Tag Match: Cheeseburger, Delirious, & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. HIKULEO, Tanga Loa, & Tama Tonga

Delirious chopped HIKULEO and immediately tagged in Liger. The same thing happened to Liger and he tagged in Cheeseburger. He suffered the same fate, but was popped with a forearm. Cheeseburger gained an edge before getting chopped. He tagged in Liger and the action began.

HIKULEO landed a dropkick on Liger. He sent him to the corner and tagged in Loa. A one-handed scoop slam was there for Loa. Delirious threw his jacket at Loa to break up the pin. The NEVER Openweight Six-Man champions were in control.

Cheeseburger was tagged in and tried a crossbody on Tonga. He was caught and thrown into the corner. Cheeseburger evaded all three of his opponents and had them run into each other. He landed a tornado DDT on Tonga. He was eventually hit with the Tongan Twist.

Delirious was tagged in and bit HIKULEO’s fingers. He went for a sunset flip, but was double teamed. Cheeseburger hit the Shotei and Delirious got the pin.

Winners: Cheeseburger, Delirious, & Jushin Thunder Liger

Tag Match: David Finlay & Juice Robinson vs. The Young Bucks

Nick Jackson and Finlay got the action started. Nick went for a kick early, but settled for a dropkick. Matt was tagged in and lifted Nick, who landed another dropkick. They took out Juice and did a backbreaker/neckbreaker combination on Finlay. The team then took Juice off the ring apron.

Finlay reversed the springboard facebuster into an atomic drop and tagged in Juice. Matt and Nick ran into over head belly-to-belly suplexes. He caught Nick’s springboard into an overhead belly-to-belly. He teased giving a German Suplex to referee Tiger Hattori. Juice went to town on The Young Bucks corner-to-corner before tagging in Finlay.

The advantage was now in the favor of Juice and Finlay. Finlay was aggressive, roughing Matt up in the corner. Juice hit a senton on Matt. Juice went for a clothesline, but Matt ducked under and got the tag. Nick hit the springboard senton on Juice and Finlay.

Nick locked in the Sharpshooter on Juice, while Matt got the hold in on Finlay. Juice grabbed the bottom rope. He then hit the full nelson slam and tagged in Finlay. He got double teamed in the corner with double kicks. The Young Bucks went for the Meltzer Driver, but Finlay reversed. Matt accidentally hit Nick with a Superkick.

Juice hit his trademark punches on The Young Bucks, but was nailed by a double Superkick. Finlay was hit with a spear and kick combination. Matt and Nick hit the Meltzer Driver for the victory.

Winners: The Young Bucks

Triple Threat Match: Kushida vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Flip Gordon

All three men were hesitant to engage. Kushida got in a headlock on Flip, but was thrown into Hiromu. Flip evaded attacks from his opponents with flips. Eventually Hiromu and Kushida both dropkicked him. Hiromu and Kushida got in a chop battle. Kushida was able to do his cartwheel into a dropkick.

Kushida targeted the arms and legs of Flip. Hiromu took out Kushida with a dropkick and went to town on Flip. Hiromu underhooked the arm of Flip and landed a dragon screw. Flip landed a kick into a standing moonsault on Hiromu. He hopped on the middle rope and connected with a moonsault on Kushida. Hiromu ran on the apron and hit a shotgun dropkick on Flip.

Flip placed Kushida on the top turnhuckle and landed a springboard hurricanrana. He then hit Hiromu with a suicide dive. With Flip and Hiromu battling on the top turnbuckle, Kushida kicked both of them. He locked in his armbar on Hiromu, but Flip connected with a springboard splash.

All three men nailed each other with strikes on the mat. Flip got up and kicked Kushida. Kushida eventually hooked in the armbar after taking out Hiromu. Kushida went for Back to the Future, but couldn’t get it. Hiromu hit a German Suplex on Flip and tossed Kushida into the corner. Flip interrupted Time Bomb and landed a springboard cutter on Hiromu. He hit the 450 Splash for the stunning three-count. A major upset!

Winner: Flip Gordon

Six-Man Tag Match: Ryusuke Taguchi. Jay Lethal, & Dalton Castle vs. Chuckie T, Beretta, & “Switchblade” Jay White

Taguchi had some snacks with him and shared them with Jay Lethal and Dalton Castle. The match started with Castle and Beretta. Castle did a clean break from tomorrow’s title challenger. Castle caught Beretta in his finisher position, but Beretta slipped out. Castle did his pose, while Beretta gave Chuckie T a hug.

Taguchi and Chuck T were in and did duck walks. Taguchi rallied Lethal and Castle to clothesline Chuckie T in the corner. They threw Chuckie T towards Taguchi’s backside, but the coach was dropkicked. White was in and it was all business with chops and a forearm in the corner.

Chuckie T nailed Taguchi with an atmoic drop. Eventually, he ran into the Funky Weapon. Lethal was tagged in and nailed a springboard dropkick on Chuckie T. He ducked under White and hit Chuckie T with a suicide.He went up the top turnbuckle and went for Hail to The King. He caught White’s boot for a figure four, which was broken up.

Chukie T thrwarted Lethal Injection, but was nailed by Taguchi’s Funky Weapon. Taguchi was countered with a pin from White, but he had his own reversal into an ankle lock. White got out of it and hit Blade Runner for the three-count.

Winners: Chuckie T, Beretta, & “Switchblade” Jay White

NEVER Openweight Title Match: Hiroki Goto (C) vs. The Beer City Bruiser

Bruiser threw his cigar at Goto to get things started. He won a shoulder block battle. He then decided to grind Goto’s face into the pieces of cigar. He nailed Goto with a right hand that knocked him to the outside. He ran from the apron and landed a senton.

Bruiser took some time to stop for a sip of beer. He connected with a knee to the head. Goto got his foot on the rope following a shoulder block. He spat beer in Goto’s face and threw his cup into the crowd.

Some clotheslines had Bruiser staggered. On the last one, Goto got the big man down. He landed a wheel kick in the corner. His Saito Suplex connected for a two-count. Bruiser had Goto seated in the corner and landed a hip attack followed by a cannon ball. He hit the Vader bomb for a near fall.

Goto went for PK following the sleeper hold and Bruiser nailed him with a sitdown powerbomb. Goto was able to kick out. Bruiser climbed the top turnbuckle, but was cut off by Goto. The champion hit ushigoroshi. He went for PTR, but was countered. He went for a frog splash, but missed. Goto landed a lariat to the back of the head.

The two collided and Bruiser turned Goto inside out with a clothesline. He picked Goto up, but ate a headbutt followed by PTR. Goto retained his title.

Winner And STILL NEVER Openweight Champion: Hiroki Goto

Six-Man Tag Match: Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, & Chase Owens vs. Cody, Marty Scurll, & Hangman Page

Ibushi and Page got the match started. Page had a rough clean break from Ibushi. A leapfrog followed by a dropkick was there for Ibushi. Owens tagged himself in and suplexed Page. He then tagged in Omega. They took turned splitting the legs of Page.

Cody interrupted Ibushi’s attempt to be tagged in. Page and Cody pressured Scurll to be tagged in. Omega transitioned into an arm bar attempt, but Scurll was right there with him in the grappling exchange. Cody screamed at Scull to snap Omega’s fingers. Scurll hesitated and was kicked in the back by Ibushi.

Owens tried fighting off all three of his opponents, but the numbers game was a bit much. Scurll stomped on Omega’s arm. Cody tagged in and got a significant amount of heat. He did a cartwheel and flipped the bird at Omega and Ibushi. Scurll hit a superplex on Owens, but Scurll’s back was also jacked.

Cody and Page mocked Omega with the Terminator pose. They hit suicide dives on the Golden Lovers. Scull didn’t join in. Cody hit Owens with a beer cup. Owens counted Cody, but was once again cut off. Finally, Owens hit a backbreaker and tagged in Ibushi. The Golden Lovers teamed on Scurll. They nailed Page with a double dropkick while he was midair. Ibushi and Omega hit their signature Golden Armageddon.

Omega hammered away on Cody. He hit him with a chop for a snap dragon. Cody reversed into a Crossroads attempt. Instead, Omega reversed and connected with the snap dragon. Omega went for the V-Trigger, but Page did his flip over the top rope and then a clothesline. Ibushi nailed Cody with a springboard dropkick.

Scurll locked in the chickenwing on Ibushi. Eventually, Ibushi reached the ropes. Scurll carried Ibushi in an electric chairshot position and Cody hit a dropkick from the top turnbuckle. Cody and Omega both went over the top rope. Owens was tagged in and met Page in the ring.

Owens went for the Package Piledriver, but was countered. Owens hit a rebound lariat. Page once again reversed the Package Piledriver, this time into the Rite of Passage for the win.

Winners: Cody, Marty Scurll, & Hangman Page

After the match, Cody and Omega went to town. The Young Bucks broke both men up. Cody stood in the ring and grabbed a microphone. Cody claimed he was the face of ROH and that the Golden Lovers reuniting is a publicity stunt. He said Ibushi was Omega’s rat. He then claimed Bullet Club was his.

WWE Not Publicizing Drug Testing Policy Violations From NXT and Developmental Talent

Daniel Pena
-
15

On August 30, 2007, WWE announced the suspensions of 10 of its performers for violations of the company’s Wellness Policy (now officially known as the Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy) based on independent information received from investigators from the Albany County District Attorney’s Office in Albany, New York. At the time, it was WWE’s practice not to release the names of those suspended, but the company pledged that beginning on November 1, 2007, it would publicly disclose ‘the names of anyone who is suspended under the Wellness Policy.’ Now in 2018, this rule apparently no longer applies to all people under contract to WWE for ‘in-ring services.’

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, while it remains company policy to publicly disclose a WWE performer’s name and duration of the suspension for a violation, this only applies to those on the main roster. Meltzer says NXT performers and other developmental talent are not subject to having their name publicly disclosed for a drug testing violation.

This contradicts what is written in WWE’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, which states that it ‘is applicable to and binding upon all WWE Talent under contract to WWE who regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer.’

17. APPLICABILITY OF THIS POLICY
This Policy, as it may be amended from time to time, is applicable to and binding upon all WWE Talent under contract to WWE who regularly perform in-ring services as a professional sports entertainer (“WWE Talent”).

Two months after the policy change went into effect, WWE suspended two developmental performers on January 15, 2008 — Neil Bzibziak (aka Chet Jablonski and Chet the Jet) and Derrick Neikirk — for violations of the company’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy. Since then, WWE has only publicized one suspension of a developmental talent and it was 10 years ago (Afa Anoa’i Jr. on March 20, 2008, who joined the main roster later that year under the name of Manu).

In April 2016, WWE announced the suspension of both Adam Rose and Konnor for 60 days each for a second violation of the company’s policy. However, WWE never announced when either talent had served their first respective suspensions.

Meltzer said then that both Rose and Konnor were in developmental at the time of their first respective suspensions. WWE suspended Rose in 2013 and Konnor in 2006 (both for 30 days). Rose is the last known suspension of a developmental talent.

Kairi Sane Tweets Response To Racially Charged Taunts At WWE NXT Live Event In Florida

Daniel Pena
-
26

After being subjected to some racially charged taunts at Thursday’s WWE NXT live event in St. Petersburg, Florida, Kairi Sane has responded with a message of kindness.

According to a fan in attendance, some fans yelled “Happy ending” and “Pearl Harbor” at Sane (as she wrestled Rhea Ripley).

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/966857449440448512

Another fan in attendance corroborated the taunts, saying that a guy yelled “Remember Pearl Harbor” at Sane.

Sane responded to @FLWrestlingFan with this clip art of kids around the world holding hands.

Sane picked up a win in St. Petersburg, pinning Ripley after nailing her with the Insane Elbow.

https://twitter.com/FLWrestlingFan/status/966860141323841536

Paul Heyman On Lesnar’s UFC Future, Rousey-WWE, Next “Heyman Guy”

Staff
-
9

TMZ Sports caught up with Paul Heyman this week, who commented on the possibility of Brock Lesnar returning to UFC, if he would advocate for Ronda Rousey in WWE and who he’s eyeing as the next Paul Heyman Guy (or gal).

This Sunday at Elimination Chamber, 7 of RAW’s top Superstars will battle to determine who will challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania. In the months following WM34, it’s rumored that Brock Lesnar’s WWE contract will expire and he’ll be free to fight for the UFC again, if that’s something he’s interested in.

When asked if we’ll see Brock step inside the Octagon again, Paul Heyman said Brock Lesnar will do whatever he wants to do. Lensar’s last UFC fight took place back in July 2016. TMZ’s reporter questioned if two years away from fighting would work against The Beast. Heyman argues the contrary.

“The time away makes him better because the time away gives his body a chance to heal,” Heyman proclaimed. “The problem with these UFC fighters – and they’re all fantastic athletes, top of the line in the entire world – is that they wear their bodies down in these training camps. All these guys that are cutting weight are destroying their own bodies.”

Many fans have speculated that Paul Heyman would make a great mouthpiece for Ronda Rousey. It’s an intriguing prospect, but Heyman doesn’t sound like he’s eyeing Rousey as his next client. “Why limit the people that I have my eye on to Ronda Rousey?” Heyman questioned. “I have my eye on anyone who is a top box office attraction. I have my eye on Enes Kanter of the New York Knicks.”

Heyman definitely sees potential in Enes Kanter, who he’s dubbed “The Baddest Dude In The NBA.” The 6-foot-11 Knicks center couldn’t be happier to be dubbed the latest Paul Heyman Guy.

You can watch Paul Heyman’s comments about Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey and Enes Kanter here:

1...1,7561,7571,758...3,097Page 1,757 of 3,097